Newcastle Herald

Four factors that lead to developing diabetes

Four factors that lead to developing diabetes
Four factors that lead to developing diabetes

This is sponsored content for myhealth1st.

Diabetes, which is also called by medical professionals as diabetes mellitus, is a chronic health condition that affects how an individual's body uses glucose. This disorder can lead to debilitating complications, and even death, when not managed properly.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported a significant increase in diabetic people over the last several decades. There are 433 million people afflicted with the disease in 2014 from 108 million in 1980. Some people are at higher risk of developing diabetes due to various factors.

Having diabetes also puts people at risk for other medical conditions, including cardiovascular and kidney problems. A study also showed that people with diabetes have higher death rates when infected with COVID-19, while those without any underlying health problems only had a 0.9 per cent fatality rate. Thus, when it comes to avoiding the coronavirus, individuals with diabetes and chronic diseases need to be extra vigilant.

Types of diabetes

Diabetes has two main categories: type 1 and type 2. The main differentiator between these diabetes types is that the former doesn't produce insulin while the latter doesn't produce enough or dosen't respond well to insulin. Type 1 diabetes is also less prevalent and may be referred to as juvenile diabetes since it's diagnosed among children and young adults.

Type 2 diabetes, although less severe than type 1, still presents increased risks for major health complications. Studies suggest that type 2 diabetes has no known cure, but it can be managed with medication and changes in diet and lifestyle.

What is prediabetes?

The good news is, prediabetes can be reversed, according to Harvard Health Publishing. But what is prediabetes? And, what are the factors that may lead to diabetes?

Prediabetes is defined as a medical condition characterised by elevated blood sugar levels. Prediabetes is the stage where the blood glucose levels are not high enough to consider a person diabetic. However, the condition can eventually progress to type 2 diabetes if left untreated.

Four factors that lead to developing diabetes
Four factors that lead to developing diabetes

4 Factors that increase the risks of diabetes

Diabetes is a serious medical condition that damages the tissues and organs of the body. The high blood sugar content, for example, damages the kidney's blood vessels. The patient is required to undergo regular dialysis to avoid kidney failure.

It's important to understand the factors that can increase the risks of developing diabetes, such as:

1. Obesity

People who are obese or carrying excess weight have higher chances of becoming prediabetic and develop diabetes if blood glucose levels continue to elevate. Obesity is one of the leading causes of type 2 diabetes.

To prevent the onset of prediabetes, keep these tips in mind:

  • It's a must to maintain or achieve a healthy body weight
  • Have a low salt, saturated fats, and sugar diet
  • Weight control is best complemented with regular physical activity

2. Genetics

Your family's medical history is crucial in determining whether you're at risk of developing diabetes. Although diabetes is also significantly influenced by lifestyle choices, some studies suggest that a person's genes are also responsible. Simply said, if one or both of your parents had diabetes or was a candidate for prediabetes, you have higher chances of being predisposed to the same medical condition:

If you're concerned about developing diabetes, speak to your doctor so that they can help manage these risks to prevent future onset of the disease.

3. Medications

If you're currently taking medicine for other health conditions, it's crucial to understand whether these drugs can heighten your risks of prediabetes. All medications have side effects, which should be indicated in the medicine packet's patient leaflet information. At the same time, your physician should discuss the drug's side effects and precautions.

Some of the medications that may induce diabetes or increase blood sugar levels are antipsychotics, beta-blockers, birth control pills, corticosteroids, statins, and thiazide diuretics.

4. Lifestyle

The lack of regular physical activity may increase the risks of developing type 2 diabetes. A sedentary lifestyle plus an unhealthy diet may promote prediabetes and insulin production problems.

Aside from lack of exercise, these habits may also make you at risk for prediabetes:

  • Smoking is said to contribute to increased resistance to insulin.
  • Excessive alcohol consumption may affect liver functions.
  • Unmanaged, chronic stress may cause blood sugar and blood pressure to rise.

Simple but permanent lifestyle changes will help maintain a healthy blood sugar level and lower risks of developing diabetes.

Takeaway

The best way that individuals can deal with diabetes or prediabetes is to be conscious about food, physical activity, stress, and medications. If you're at risk of diabetes, consult your doctor about a diet and exercise plan that'll suit your condition.

If you're already prediabetic, speak to your physician on how to lower and maintain a healthy blood sugar level. Keeping a healthy lifestyle is key to avoid this debilitating and deadly medical condition.

This is sponsored content for myhealth1st.